rebuke

To express sharp disapproval or criticism of someone because of their behaviour or actions.

• (no common derivatives)

• sharply rebuke
• public rebuke
• rebuke someone for
• stern rebuke
• issued a rebuke

1. 1.The judge rebuked the lawyer for repeatedly interrupting the witness. (criticise sharply)
2. 2.The editorial was a sharp rebuke to the government's handling of the pandemic. (strong criticism)

• reprimand/ˈrɛprɪmænd/— a formal expression of disapproval
• scold/skoʊld/— to criticise angrily — more informal
• admonish/ədˈmɒnɪʃ/— to warn or reprimand firmly

from Anglo-French "rebuker" (to beat back) — re- (back) + Old French "bucher" (to beat, to chop wood)